Core Insights - The Mairs & Power Small Cap Fund reported a return of 2.06% in the first nine months of 2025, underperforming the benchmark Russell 2000 Total Returns Index, which increased by 10.39% [1] - The market remains concentrated in 2025, with a few dominant mega-cap stocks related to artificial intelligence driving most favorable outcomes [1] Company Overview: James Hardie Industries plc - James Hardie Industries plc, based in Dublin, Ireland, specializes in manufacturing and supplying fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and cement-bonded building products [2] - The stock of James Hardie Industries plc experienced a one-month return of 19.28%, but it has lost 41.58% of its value over the last 52 weeks, closing at $19.98 per share with a market capitalization of $11.574 billion on December 10, 2025 [2] Investment Positioning - The Mairs & Power Small Cap Fund initiated a position in James Hardie Industries plc following the company's acquisition of AZEK Company, indicating a strategic move to benefit from shared innovation and cross-selling opportunities [3] - Despite the potential of James Hardie Industries plc, some analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc and certain senior executives for securities fraud following a significant stock drop attributed to potential violations of federal securities laws [1][3]. Company Overview - James Hardie Industries is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions, primarily used in external siding for the residential building industry in the U.S. and Canada [4]. Allegations of Fraud - The lawsuit claims that James Hardie misrepresented the strength and momentum of its North American fiber cement segment, asserting that sales were driven by sustainable customer demand, while in reality, they were the result of inventory loading by channel partners, indicative of fraudulent channel stuffing [5]. Stock Performance and Impact - On August 19, 2025, James Hardie reported a 12% decline in North American fiber cement sales, revealing that customers were destocking to return to normal inventory levels. This announcement led to a stock price drop of $9.79 per share, or over 34%, from $28.43 to $18.64 [6]. Management Changes - On November 17, 2025, it was announced that Rachel Wilson would step down from her role as CFO of James Hardie [7].

Core Insights - The S&P/ASX 200 index closed slightly higher, rising 12.60 points or 0.15% to 8,592.00, but remains down 0.31% over the past five sessions while holding a year-to-date gain of 5.31% [6] Company Performance - James Hardie Industries PLC was the strongest performer of the day, jumping 7.13% to $30.51, followed by Ramelius Resources Limited, which climbed 6.72% to $3.81 [6] - Flight Centre Travel Group advanced 5.37%, Scentre Group added 4%, and Whitehaven Coal rose 3.11%, rounding out the top five gainers [6] - On the downside, Catalyst Metals Limited posted the steepest loss, falling 8.86% to $6.07, followed by DroneShield Limited, which slipped 6.64% [6] Sector Performance - Sector movement was mixed, with Materials leading with a 0.85% gain, supported by mining names, while A-REITs rose 0.69% and Energy added 0.60% [4][6] - Financials and Utilities also ended in positive territory, while Information Technology declined by 1.53% and Health Care slipped 1.13% [4][6] - Over the past week, Information Technology posted the steepest decline, falling 4.16%, followed by Health Care, which dropped 2.37% [5][6] - Only two sectors ended higher for the week: Materials gained 1.47% and Financials rose 0.48% [5][6]

Core Insights - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc for allegedly making false statements regarding the demand for its North America Fiber Cement segment, which was reportedly experiencing weakening demand due to distributor inventory destocking [3][7] - The lawsuit claims that James Hardie misrepresented the strength of demand and inventory levels, leading to a significant drop in share price after the company disclosed a 12% sales decline in the segment on August 19, 2025 [3][7] Allegation Details - The complaint alleges that James Hardie was aware of weakening demand in its key segment by April and May 2025 but failed to disclose this information [3] - The company falsely represented that demand remained strong and inventory levels were "normal" [3] - Following the announcement of a 12% sales decline attributed to "normalization of channel inventories," the company's share price fell by more than 34% [3] Next Steps - Investors who purchased James Hardie shares during the class period (May 20, 2025, to August 18, 2025) and suffered losses are encouraged to contact the law firm for more information and to discuss their legal rights [4][7] - The deadline for investors to apply to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit is December 23, 2025 [7]

JHX DEADLINE: ROSEN, A LEADING LAW FIRM, Encourages James Hardie Industries plc Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action - JHXDecember 10, 2025 5:01 PM EST | Source: The Rosen Law Firm PANew York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2025) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) between May 20, 2025 through August 18, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class ...

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global plaintiffs' rights firm Hagens Berman reminds investors that the Lead Plaintiff Deadline in the securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) is rapidly approaching: December 23, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that James Hardie and certain executives made materially false and misleading statements about the health of its crucial North America Fiber Cement segment. The stock subsequently crashed over 34% when the company was ...

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc for securities fraud following a significant stock drop attributed to potential violations of federal securities laws [2][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, asserting claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in James Hardie common stock [4]. - Investors have until December 23, 2025, to request to be appointed to lead the case [4]. Group 2: Company Background - James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions, primarily used in external siding for the residential building industry in the U.S. and Canada [5]. Group 3: Allegations and Stock Performance - During the relevant period, James Hardie claimed strong performance in its North American fiber cement segment, but it is alleged that sales were inflated due to inventory loading by channel partners rather than genuine customer demand [6]. - On August 19, 2025, the company reported a 12% decline in North American fiber cement sales, leading to a stock price drop of over 34%, from $28.43 to $18.64 per share [7].

JHX DEADLINE: ROSEN, TRUSTED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages James Hardie Industries plc Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action - JHXDecember 09, 2025 4:55 PM EST | Source: The Rosen Law Firm PANew York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) between May 20, 2025 through August 18, 2025, both dates inclusive (the " ...

NEW YORK, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in James Hardie Industries plc. ("James Hardie Industries plc." or the "Company") (NYSE: JHX) of a class action securities lawsuit. CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of James Hardie Industries plc. investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 20, 2025 and August 18, 2025. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team: htt ...

rdJHX Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact Firm Before Dec. 23 Deadline in Securities Class Action Lawsuit SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman reminds investors that the deadline to move the Court for appointment as lead plaintiff in the securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) is December 23, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that James Hardie and its executives misled investors by touting strong growth in its ...